Eintracht Frankfurt had no knowledge of the content and form of Martin Hinteregger’s business relationships in connection with the so-called Hinti Cup, which the Frankfurt defender planned and organized completely independently and on his own. The business and legal proximity to a representative of the right-wing political spectrum in Austria, which has now come to light, requires a clear distancing.
Eintracht Frankfurt stands for tolerance, cosmopolitanism and internationality. This attitude has become a clear guiding principle of the club over the past few decades and is firmly rooted in the DNA of Frankfurt and the region. Whether in the professional teams, the youth teams or in the fan scene – variety and diversity are a non-negotiable basic principle at Eintracht Frankfurt. Anyone who wears the jersey of Eintracht Frankfurt out of this conviction, which we expect from each and every one of our players, cannot at the same time enter into a conscious business relationship with a person who has repeatedly given political testimony in word, deed and office that they are for exclusion, discrimination, racism and social division.
No one can choose the environment into which they are born. But even a common home cannot resolve such a contradiction in values and attitudes. Those responsible for the club have not yet reached Hinteregger, but have only been able to discuss the matter with his advisor. In this respect, only the reference to the player’s statement via Instagram remains.
Eintracht Frankfurt has no doubts that Hinteregger is a character who is close to his homeland but also cosmopolitan and tolerant, who is alien to discrimination and who identifies with the values of Eintracht Frankfurt in many respects. That is precisely why there can be no compromises in such a constellation, especially not at the expense of the fans who in good faith wanted to travel to Sirnitz to play a football tournament and now run the risk of being involuntarily drawn into a debate on their attitude simply by taking part will.